So, the other day I was confronted with the issue of abortion and someone said to me: “The Bible is silent about abortion; it says nothing against it. In fact many people in Jesus’ time had abortions.” This person even sent me an article supporting his view.
How would you respond?
The following is taken from of Scott Klusendorf’s book: “The Case for Life.” Pg. 135
[list-ul type=”square”][li-row]“We don’t need Scripture to expressly say that elective abortion is wrong before we can know that it’s wrong. The Bible affirms that all humans have value because they bear God’s image. The facts of science make clear that from the earliest stages of development, the unborn are unquestionably human. Hence, biblical commands against the unjust taking of human life apply to the unborn just as they do to other human beings.”[/li-row][/list-ul]
That’s a short but accurate reply by Scott! It’s pretty much what I said in response. It all goes back to question, “When is a baby consider human life?” Recently Ohio passed legislation limiting abortion based on when a heartbeat is detected in the unborn child:
[list-ul type=”square”][li-row]The Ohio House of Representatives this week passed one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the country — one that would penalize doctors for performing an abortion when a fetal heartbeat can be detected and pose a potential challenge to Roe v. Wade. A fetal heartbeat can be detected by an ultrasound as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, a time during which most women are unaware they are pregnant. (NY Times Article)[/li-row][/list-ul]
This should send the abortion issue to the Supreme Court with the potential of changing Roe v. Wade.
Here’s what I think is happening in America. We are entering a time when there will be a great battle over RIGHT and WRONG. Some prophetic voices in Christian circles believe this will escalate to a civil war within our nation. It even could become very violent! Could this be what Paul was referring to?
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NLT)
The Dangers of the Last Days
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money.They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that we at Crossroads are preparing the church to live in these times and effectively engage our culture with a biblical worldview. The study, “Set Free to Choose Right” is timely and impacting our church in a dramatic way! My thanks to so many small group leaders, child care workers, and all who are making this possible. Crossroads is an amazing church. You care and God’s favor is on you!
This week, chapter 4 in “Set Free to Choose Right” is titled “The Empowering Nature of Grace”. Sunday I will be preaching on Matthew 7:5: “Judging with clarity and grace.”
Love to most caring people I know!
Pastor Pat
